Electromechanical assembly to control the operating mode of a coupling apparatus

ABSTRACT

An electromechanical assembly to control the operating mode of a coupling apparatus is provided. The assembly includes a first subassembly including a stator having at least one electromagnetically inductive coil to create a magnetic flux when the at least one coil is energized. At least one bi-directionally movable rod has a free end adapted for connection to a strut of the coupling apparatus for selective, small displacement strut movement. An actuator is operatively connected to the at least one rod for selective bi-directional shifting movement along a rotational axis between a first position of the actuator which corresponds to a first mode of the coupling apparatus and a second position of the actuator which corresponds to a second mode of the coupling apparatus. A magnetic control force is applied to the actuator when the at least one coil is energized to cause the actuator to move between positions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patentapplication No. 61/463,208 filed Feb. 14, 2011. This application is alsoa continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/218,817filed Aug. 26, 2011 which, in turn, is a continuation-in-part of U.S.national phase of PCT Application No. PCT/US11/36636 filed May 16, 2011which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No.61/421,868 filed Dec. 10, 2010, the disclosures of which areincorporated in their entirety by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to electromechanical assemblies to control theoperating mode of coupling apparatus such as controllable one-wayclutches (OWCs).

OVERVIEW

A typical one-way clutch (OWC) consists of an inner ring, an outer ringand a locking device between the two rings. The one-way clutch isdesigned to lock in one direction and to allow free rotation in theother direction. Two types of one-way clutches often used in vehicular,automatic transmissions include:

-   -   Roller type which consists of spring loaded rollers between the        inner and outer race of the one-way clutch. (Roller type is also        used without springs on some applications); and    -   Sprag type which consists of asymmetrically shaped wedges        located between the inner and outer race of the one-way clutch.

The one-way clutches are typically used in the transmission to preventan interruption of drive torque (i.e., power flow) during certain gearshifts and to allow engine braking during coasting.

Controllable or selectable one-way clutches (i.e., OWCs) are a departurefrom traditional one-way clutch designs. Selectable OWCs add a secondset of locking members in combination with a slide plate. The additionalset of locking members plus the slide plate adds multiple functions tothe OWC. Depending on the needs of the design, controllable OWCs arecapable of producing a mechanical connection between rotating orstationary shafts in one or both directions. Also, depending on thedesign, OWCs are capable of overrunning in one or both directions. Acontrollable OWC contains an externally controlled selection or controlmechanism. Movement of this selection mechanism can be between two ormore positions which correspond to different operating modes.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,455 discloses a bi-directional overrunning pawl-typeclutch, U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,965 discloses a planar overrunning coupling,and U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,044 discloses a selectable one-way clutchassembly for use in an automatic transmission.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,258,214 and 7,344,010 disclose overrunning couplingassemblies, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,484,605 discloses an overrunning radialcoupling assembly or clutch.

A properly designed controllable OWC can have near-zero parasitic lossesin the “off” state. It can also be activated by electro-mechanics anddoes not have either the complexity or parasitic losses of a hydraulicpump and valves.

Other related U.S. patent publications include: 2011/0140451;2011/0215575; 2011/0233026; 2011/0177900; 2010/0044141; 2010/0071497;2010/0119389; 2010/0252384; 2009/0133981; 2009/0127059; 2009/0084653;2009/0194381; 2009/0142207; 2009/0255773; 2009/0098968; 2010/0230226;2010/0200358; 2009/0211863; 2009/0159391; 2009/0098970; 2008/0223681;2008/0110715; 2008/0169166; 2008/0169165; 2008/0185253; 2007/0278061;2007/0056825; 2006/0138777; 2006/0185957; 2004/0110594; and thefollowing U.S. patents: U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,942,781; 7,806,795; 7,690,455;7,491,151; 7,484,605; 7,464,801; 7,349,010; 7,275,628; 7,256,510;7,223,198; 7,198,587; 7,093,512; 6,953,409; 6,846,257; 6,814,201;6,503,167; 6,193,038; 4,050,560; 4,340,133; 5,597,057; 5,918,715;5,638,929; 5,362,293; 5,678,668; 5,070,978; 5,052,534; 5,387,854;5,231,265; 5,394,321; 5,206,573; 5,453,598; 5,642,009; 6,075,302;6,065,576; 6,982,502; 7,153,228; 5,924,510; and 5,918,715.

A linear motor is an electric motor that has had its stator and rotor“unrolled” so that instead of producing a torque (rotation) it producesa linear force along its length. The most common mode of operation is asa Lorentz-type actuator, in which the applied force is linearlyproportional to the current and the magnetic field. U.S. publishedapplication 2003/0102196 discloses a bi-directional linear motor.

Metal injection molding (MIM) is a metalworking process wherefinely-powdered metal is mixed with a measured amount of binder materialto comprise a ‘feedstock’ capable of being handled by plastic processingequipment through a process known as injection mold forming. The moldingprocess allows complex parts to be shaped in a single operation and inhigh volume. End products are commonly component items used in variousindustries and applications. The nature of MIM feedstock flow is definedby a physics called rheology. Current equipment capability requiresprocessing to stay limited to products that can be molded using typicalvolumes of 100 grams or less per “shot” into the mold. Rheology doesallow this “shot” to be distributed into multiple cavities, thusbecoming cost-effective for small, intricate, high-volume products whichwould otherwise be quite expensive to produce by alternate or classicmethods. The variety of metals capable of implementation within MIMfeedstock are referred to as powder metallurgy, and these contain thesame alloying constituents found in industry standards for common andexotic metal applications. Subsequent conditioning operations areperformed on the molded shape, where the binder material is removed andthe metal particles are coalesced into the desired state for the metalalloy.

A clevis fastener is a three piece fastener system consisting of aclevis, clevis pin, and tang. The clevis is a U-shaped piece that hasholes at the end of the prongs to accept the clevis pin. The clevis pinis similar to a bolt, but is only partially threaded or unthreaded witha cross-hole for a cotter pin. The tang is the piece that fits betweenthe clevis and is held in place by the clevis pin. The combination of asimple clevis fitted with a pin is commonly called a shackle, although aclevis and pin is only one of the many forms a shackle may take.

Clevises are used in a wide variety of fasteners used in the farmingequipment, sailboat rigging, as well as the automotive, aircraft andconstruction industries. They are also widely used to attach controlsurfaces and other accessories to servos in model aircraft. As a part ofa fastener, a clevis provides a method of allowing rotation in some axeswhile restricting rotation in others.

For purposes of this application, the term “coupling” should beinterpreted to include clutches or brakes wherein one of the plates isdrivably connected to a torque delivery element of a transmission andthe other plate is drivably connected to another torque delivery elementor is anchored and held stationary with respect to a transmissionhousing. The terms “coupling,” “clutch” and “brake” may be usedinterchangeably.

SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment, an electromechanical assembly to control theoperating mode of a coupling apparatus having drive and driven memberssupported for rotation relative to one another about a common rotationalaxis and at least one strut for selectively mechanically coupling themembers together is provided. The assembly includes a first subassemblyincluding a stator having at least one electromagnetically inductivecoil to create a magnetic flux when the at least one coil is energized.The assembly further includes a second subassembly adapted for couplingwith one of the members of the coupling apparatus to rotate therewith.The second subassembly is supported for rotation relative to the firstsubassembly about the rotational axis when coupled to the couplingapparatus. The second subassembly includes at least one bi-directionallymovable rod. Each rod has a free end adapted for connection to a strutof the coupling apparatus for selective, small displacement strutmovement. The second subassembly also includes an actuator operativelyconnected to the at least one rod for selective bi-directional shiftingmovement along the rotational axis between a first position of theactuator which corresponds to a first mode of the coupling apparatus anda second position of the actuator which corresponds to a second mode ofthe coupling apparatus. A magnetic control force is applied to theactuator when the at least one coil is energized to cause the actuatorto move between the first and second positions along the rotationalaxis.

The second subassembly may include at least one biasing member forexerting at least one biasing force on the actuator along the rotationalaxis when the actuator moves between its first and second positionsalong the rotational axis.

The second subassembly may include a pair of spaced biasing members forexerting corresponding biasing forces on the actuator in oppositedirections along the rotational axis when the actuator moves between itsfirst and second positions along the rotational axis.

The second subassembly may include a hub adapted for coupling with theone of the members of the coupling apparatus and supported for rotationrelative to the first subassembly about the rotational axis. The hub mayslidably support the actuator during shifting movement along therotational axis.

The second subassembly may include a pair of spaced stops supported onthe hub to define the first and second positions of the actuator.

The second subassembly may include a set of spaced guide pins sandwichedbetween an inner surface of the actuator and an outer surface of the huband extending along the rotational axis. The actuator may slide on theguide pins during shifting movement of the actuator along the rotationalaxis and the guide pins may pilot the actuator on the hub.

The stator may include a ferromagnetic housing having spaced apartfingers and an electromagnetically inductive coil housed betweenadjacent fingers.

The actuator may include an inner part and an outer part having amagnetic annular ring sandwiched between a pair of ferromagnetic backingrings. The magnetic control force may magnetically bias the fingers andtheir corresponding backing rings into alignment.

The actuator may be a permanent magnet actuator.

The stator may include a pair of spaced electromagnetically inductivecoils.

In another embodiment, an electromechanical assembly to control theoperating mode of a coupling apparatus having drive and driven memberssupported for rotation relative to one another about a common rotationalaxis and at least one forward strut and at least one reverse strut forselectively mechanically coupling the members together is provided. Theassembly includes a first subassembly including a first stator having atleast one electromagnetically inductive first coil to create a firstmagnetic flux when the at least one first coil is energized and a secondstator having at least one electromagnetically inductive second coil tocreate a second magnetic flux when the at least one second coil isenergized. The assembly further includes a second subassembly adaptedfor coupling with one of the members of the coupling apparatus to rotatetherewith. The second subassembly is supported for rotation relative tothe first subassembly about the rotational axis when coupled to thecoupling apparatus. The second subassembly includes at least onebi-directionally movable first rod. Each first rod has a free endadapted for connection to a forward strut of the coupling apparatus forselective, small displacement forward strut movement. The secondsubassembly also includes a first actuator operatively connected to theat least one first rod for selective bi-directional shifting movementalong the rotational axis between a first position of the first actuatorwhich corresponds to a first mode of the coupling apparatus and a secondposition of the first actuator which corresponds to a second mode of thecoupling apparatus. A first magnetic control force is applied to thefirst actuator when the at least one first coil is energized to causethe first actuator to move between its first and second positions alongthe rotational axis. The second subassembly further includes at leastone bi-directionally movable second rod. Each second rod has a free endadapted for connection to a reverse strut of the coupling apparatus forselective, small displacement reverse strut movement. The secondsubassembly also includes a second actuator operatively connected withthe at least one second rod for bi-directional shifting movement thereofalong the rotational axis between a first position of the secondactuator which corresponds to a third mode of the coupling apparatus anda second position of the second actuator which corresponds to a fourthmode of the coupling apparatus. A second control magnetic force isapplied to the second actuator when the at least one second coil isenergized to cause the second actuator to move between its first andsecond positions along the rotational axis.

The second subassembly may include at least one biasing first member forexerting at least one biasing force on the first actuator along therotational axis when the first actuator moves between its first andsecond positions along the rotational axis and at least one biasingsecond member for exerting at least one biasing force on the secondactuator along the rotational axis when the second actuator movesbetween its first and second positions along the rotational axis.

The second subassembly may include a first pair of spaced biasingmembers for exerting corresponding biasing forces on the first actuatorin opposite directions along the rotational axis when the first actuatormoves between its first and second positions along the rotational axisand a second pair of spaced biasing members for exerting correspondingbiasing forces on the second actuator in opposite directions along therotational axis when the second actuator moves between its first andsecond positions along the rotational axis.

The second subassembly may include a hub adapted for coupling with theone of the members of the coupling apparatus and supported for rotationrelative to the first subassembly about the rotational axis. The hub mayslidably support the first and second actuators during correspondingshifting movement along the rotational axis.

The second subassembly may include a first pair of spaced stopssupported on the hub to define the first and second positions of thefirst actuator and a second pair of spaced stops supported on the hub todefine the first and second positions of the second actuator.

The second subassembly may include a set of spaced guide pins sandwichedbetween an inner surface of the first and second actuators and an outersurface of the hub and extending along the rotational axis. Theactuators may slide on the guide pins during shifting movement of theactuators along the rotational axis. The guide pins may pilot theactuators on the hub.

Each stator may include a ferromagnetic housing having spaced apartfingers and an electromagnetically inductive coil housed betweenadjacent fingers.

Each actuator may include an inner part and an outer part having amagnetic annular ring sandwiched between a pair of ferromagnetic backingrings and the magnetic control forces may magnetically bias the fingersand their corresponding backing rings into alignment.

Each actuator may be a permanent magnet actuator.

Each stator may include a pair of spaced electromagnetically inductivecoils.

The second actuator may have at least one aperture extending completelytherethrough to allow each first rod to move bi-directionallytherethrough.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partially broken away and incross-section, of an electromechanical assembly including areciprocating rod and a first subassembly of a controllable couplingassembly wherein the reciprocating rod of the electromechanical assemblycontrols the operating mode of the coupling assembly;

FIG. 2 is a different perspective view, partially broken away and incross-section, of the assemblies of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view, partially broken away and incross-section, of the assemblies of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view, partially broken away and incross-section, of the assemblies of FIGS. 1 and 2 but showing a secondreciprocating rod to control the operating mode of the couplingassembly;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the first subassembly ofthe coupling assembly, first and second sets of rods of theelectromechanical assembly and corresponding forward and reverse struts;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a second subassembly ofthe coupling assembly, third and fourth sets of rods of a secondelectromechanical assembly and corresponding forward and reverse struts;

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of a clevis-shaped strut (eitherforward or reverse) and interconnected rod, partially broken away; and

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the strut of FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in variousand alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; somefeatures may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particularcomponents. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, there is illustrated an electromechanicalassembly, generally indicated at 10, to control the operating mode of acoupling apparatus, generally indicated at 12, having drive and drivenmembers 14 and 16, respectively, supported for rotation relative to oneanother about a common rotational axis 18. The drive member 14 may be apocket plate and the driven member 16 may be a notch plate. The couplingapparatus or assembly 12 includes at least one (preferably two) forwardstrut 20 and at least one (preferably two) reverse strut 20 forselectively mechanically coupling the members 14 and 16 together andchange the operating mode of the assembly 12. Preferably, the struts 20are spaced at 90° intervals about the axis 18.

The assembly 10 includes a first subassembly 22 including a first stator24 having at least one (preferably two) electromagnetically inductivefirst coil 26 to create a first magnetic flux when at least one firstcoil 26 is energized. The subassembly 22 may also include a secondstator 28 having at least one (preferably two) electromagneticallyinductive second coil 30 to create a second magnetic flux when the atleast one second coil 30 is energized.

The assembly 10 also includes a second subassembly 32 adapted forcoupling with one of the members 14 or 16 (preferably the member 14) ofthe coupling apparatus 12 to rotate therewith. The second subassembly 32is supported for rotation relative to the first subassembly 22 by abushing 33 about the rotational axis 18 when coupled to the couplingapparatus 12. The second subassembly 32 includes at least one(preferably two) bi-directionally movable first rod 34. Each first rod34 has a free end 36 adapted for connection to a forward strut 20 of thecoupling apparatus 12 for selective, small displacement forward strutmovement.

The second subassembly 32 also includes a first actuator 38 operativelyconnected to the at least one first rod 34 for selective bi-directionalshifting movement along the rotational axis 18 between a first positionof the first actuator 38 which corresponds to a first mode of thecoupling apparatus 12 and a second position of the first actuator 38which corresponds to a second mode of the coupling apparatus 12. Whentwo first rods 34 are provided, the first rods are spaced 180° apartfrom one another. The first and second modes may be locked and unlocked(i.e. free wheeling) modes.

A first magnetic control force is applied to the first actuator 38 whenthe at least one first coil 26 is energized to cause the first actuator38 to move between its first and second positions along the rotationalaxis 18.

The second subassembly 32 further includes at least one (preferably two)bi-directionally movable second rod 40. Each second rod 40 has a freeend 42 adapted for connection to a reverse strut 20 of the couplingapparatus 12 for selective, small displacement reverse strut movement.The second subassembly 32 also includes a second actuator 44 operativelyconnected with the at least one second rod 40 for bi-directionalshifting movement thereof along the rotational axis 18 between a firstposition of the second actuator 44 which corresponds to a third mode ofthe coupling apparatus 12 and a second position of the second actuator44 which corresponds to a fourth mode of the coupling apparatus 12. Whentwo second rods 40 are provided, the second rods are spaced 180° apartfrom each other but 90° apart from the first rods 34. The third andfourth modes may be locked and unlocked (i.e. free wheeling) modes.

A second control magnetic force is applied to the second actuator 44when the at least one second coil 30 is energized to cause the secondactuator 44 to move between its first and second positions along therotational axis 18.

The second subassembly 32 includes a first pair of spaced biasingsprings or members 46 and 48 for exerting corresponding biasing forceson the first actuator 38 in opposite directions along the rotationalaxis 18 when the first actuator 38 moves between its first and secondpositions along the rotational axis 18. Each face of each actuator 38 or44 has clearance holes and spring pockets for the connecting rods 34 and40, respectively, and their respective springs. When the actuators 38and 44 move they push/pull their respective springs trapped betweentheir faces and the ends of their corresponding rods 34 and 40.

The second subassembly 32 also includes a second pair of spaced biasingsprings or members 50 and 52 for exerting corresponding biasing forceson the second actuator 44 in opposite directions along the rotationalaxis 18 when the second actuator 44 moves between its first and secondpositions along the rotational axis 18. Axial movement of the actuators38 and 44 puts a biasing load onto the struts 20 via the springs 46, 48,50 and 52 to either engage or disengage the struts 20. By reversing thecurrent direction in the stators 24 and 28 their corresponding actuator38 or 44 is moved back and forth from “off” to “on.”

The second subassembly 32 includes a hub 54 adapted for coupling withthe one of the members 14 and 16 (preferably the member 14) of thecoupling apparatus 12. The hub 54 is supported for rotation relative tothe first subassembly 22 by the bushing 33 about the rotational axis 18.The hub 54 slidably supports the first and second actuators 38 and 44,respectively, during corresponding shifting movement along therotational axis 18.

The second subassembly 32 includes a first pair of spaced stops 56 and58 supported on the hub 54 to define the first and second positions ofthe first actuator 38. The second subassembly 32 also includes a secondpair of spaced stops 60 and 62 supported on the hub 54 to define thefirst and second positions of the second actuator 44.

The second subassembly 32 also includes a set of spaced guide pins 64sandwiched between inner surfaces 66 of the first and second actuators38 and 44, respectively, and an outer surface 68 of the hub 54 andextending along the rotational axis 18. The inner surfaces 66 and theouter surface 68 have V-shaped grooves or notches formed therein to holdthe guide pins 64. The actuators 38 and 44 slide on the guide pins 64during shifting movement of the actuators 38 and 44 along the rotationalaxis 18. The guide pins 64 pilot the actuators 38 and 44 on the hub 54.The hub 54 also distributes oil to the guide pins 64.

Each of the stators 24 and 28 includes a ferromagnetic housing 70 havingspaced apart fingers 72 and an electromagnetically inductive coil 26 or30 housed between adjacent fingers 72.

Each of the actuators 38 and 44 includes an annular inner part 74 and anannular outer part 76 connected thereto and having a magnetic annularring 78 sandwiched between a pair of ferromagnetic backing rings 80. Themagnetic control forces magnetically bias the fingers 72 and theircorresponding backing rings 80 into alignment upon coil energization.These forces latch their respective actuator 38 or 40 in the “on” and“off” positions. The rings 78 and 80 are acted upon by their respectivestators 24 and 28 to move their respective actuators 38 and 40.

The second actuator 44 has at least one (preferably two) aperture 45extending completely therethrough to allow each first rod 34 to movebi-directionally therethrough. A hollow cylindrical bushing 47 slidablysupports each first rod 34 in the at least one aperture 45 duringbi-directional shifting movement thereof.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the coupling assembly or apparatus 12comprises a controllable clutch assembly including first and secondclutch subassemblies. The assembly 12 includes the drive or first clutchmember 14, the driven or second clutch member 16 and a third or driveclutch member 82 all supported for rotation relative to one anotherabout the common rotational axis 18. The first clutch member 14 has acoupling first face 84 oriented to face axially in a first directionalong the rotational axis 18. The third clutch member 82 has a couplingthird face 86 oriented to face axially in a second direction along therotational axis 18. The second clutch member 16 has a coupling secondface 88 opposed to the first face 84 and oriented to face axially in thesecond direction along the rotational axis 18. The second clutch member16 also has a coupling fourth face 90 opposed to the third face 86 andoriented to face axially in the first direction along the rotationalaxis 18.

The first face 84 has a first set of pockets 92 spaced about therotational axis 18. Each pocket 92 of the first set has a strut 20 of afirst set of struts 20 received thereby.

The second face 88 has a first set of locking formations 94 that areengaged by the struts 20 upon projecting outwardly from the first set ofpockets 92 to prevent relative rotation of the first and second clutchmembers 14 and 16 with respect to each other in at least one directionabout the axis 18.

The third face 86 has a second set of pockets 96 spaced about therotational axis 18. Each pocket 96 of the second set has a strut 20 of asecond set of struts 20 received thereby. Each strut 20 contained withinthe second set of pockets 96 is connected or coupled to its respectiverod 97 of a second electromechanical assembly substantially identical instructure and operation to the first electromechanical assembly.Consequently, other than the rods 97, the second electromechanicalassembly is neither shown nor described.

The fourth face 90 has a second set of locking formations 98 that areengaged by the second set of struts 20 upon projecting outwardly fromthe second set of pockets 96 to prevent relative rotation of the secondand third clutch members 16 and 82 with respect to each other in atleast one direction about the axis 18. The first and second clutchmembers 14 and 16, respectively, form the first clutch subassembly andthe second and third clutch members 16 and 82, respectively, form thesecond clutch subassembly.

The first clutch member 14 has a first set of passages 100 spaced aboutthe rotational axis 18 and in communication with their respectivepockets 92 of the first set of pockets 92 to communicate an actuatingforce (preferably by the rods 34 and 40) to their respective strut 20within its respective pocket 92 so that its respective strut 20 movesinto contact with the first set of locking formations 94 to couple thefirst and second clutch members 14 and 16, respectively, for rotationwith each other in at least one direction about the axis 18.

The third clutch member 82 has a second set of passages (not shown)spaced about the rotational axis 18 and in communication with theirrespective pockets 96 of the second set of pockets 96 to communicate anactuating force (preferably by the driven rods 97 as previouslydescribed) to their respective strut 20 within its respective pockets 96so that its respective strut 20 moves into contact with the second setof locking formations 98 to couple the second and third clutch members16 and 82, respectively, for rotation with each other in at least onedirection about the axis 18.

Each strut 20 of the first and second sets of struts 20 has an end 106that is pivotally movable outwardly of its respective pocket 92 or 96.

The second clutch member 16 includes a housing 108 having an end wall110 for housing the first and third clutch members 14 and 82,respectively.

Each of the subassemblies is independently controllable.

The first set of struts 20 includes at least one reverse strut 20 and atleast one forward strut 20. A first element 112 is supported between thefirst and second clutch members 14 and 16, respectively. The firstelement 112 has at least one opening 114 extending completelytherethrough to allow the forward and reverse struts 20 of the first setto extend therethrough and lock the first and second clutch members 14and 16, respectively, together to prevent relative rotation between thefirst and second clutch members 14 and 16, respectively, in eitherdirection about the axis 18.

The second set of struts 20 includes at least one reverse strut 20 andat least one forward strut 20. A second element 116 is supported betweenthe second and third clutch members 16 and 82. The second element 116has at least one opening 118 extending completely therethrough to allowthe forward and reverse struts 20 of the second set to extendtherethrough and lock the second and third clutch members 16 and 82,respectively, together to prevent relative rotation between the secondand third clutch members 16 and 82, respectively, in either directionabout the axis 18.

The first, second, third and fourth faces 84, 88, 86 and 90,respectively, are generally flat and face generally axially. The first,second, third and fourth faces 84, 88, 86 and 90, respectively, aregenerally annular and extend generally radially with respect to therotational axis.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, there is illustrated one of theclevis-shaped struts 20 for the planar one-way clutch or apparatus 12.Each strut 20 comprises a member-engaging canted first end surface 120and a member-engaging canted second end surface 122 diametricallyopposite the first end surface 120. Each strut 20 also includes a mainbody portion 124 between the end surfaces 120 and 122. The main bodyportion includes a pair of spaced-apart side surfaces 126. Each strut 20further includes a pair of spaced-apart, projecting leg portions 128.Each of the leg portions 128 extend from the main body portion 124proximate one of the side surfaces 126. Each leg portion 128 has anaperture 130 adapted to receive a pivot pin 132 between the leg portions128 to allow rotational movement of the strut 20 in responses toreciprocating movement of the rods 34, 40 or 97. A free end 134 of therod 34, 40 or 97 is adapted to be coupled to the strut 20 via the pivotpin 132.

Each of the apertures 130 is preferably an oblong aperture 130 toreceive the pivot pin 132 to allow both rotational and translationalmovement of the strut 20 in response to reciprocating movement of therod 34, 40 or 97. Each strut 20 also includes a pair of oppositelyprojecting canted ears 136 which extend laterally from the main bodyportion 124 proximate the first end surface 120. Each strut 20 ispreferably an injection molded strut such as a metal injection moldedstrut.

While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended thatthese embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather,the words used in the specification are words of description rather thanlimitation, and it is understood that various changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may becombined to form further embodiments of the invention.

1. An electromechanical assembly to control the operating mode of acoupling apparatus having drive and driven members supported forrotation relative to one another about a common rotational axis and atleast one strut for selectively mechanically coupling the memberstogether, the assembly comprising: a first subassembly including astator having at least one electromagnetically inductive coil to createa magnetic flux when the at least one coil is energized; and a secondsubassembly adapted for coupling with one of the members of the couplingapparatus to rotate therewith, the second subassembly being supportedfor rotation relative to the first subassembly about the rotational axiswhen coupled to the coupling apparatus, the second subassembly includingat least one bi-directionally movable rod, each rod having a free endadapted for connection to a strut of the coupling apparatus forselective, small displacement strut movement, and an actuatoroperatively connected to the at least one rod for selectivebi-directional shifting movement along the rotational axis between afirst position of the actuator which corresponds to a first mode of thecoupling apparatus and a second position of the actuator whichcorresponds to a second mode of the coupling apparatus, wherein amagnetic control force is applied to the actuator when the at least onecoil is energized to cause the actuator to move between the first andsecond positions along the rotational axis.
 2. The assembly as claimedin claim 1, wherein the second subassembly includes at least one biasingmember for exerting at least one biasing force on the actuator along therotational axis when the actuator moves between its first and secondpositions along the rotational axis.
 3. The assembly as claimed in claim1, wherein the second subassembly includes a pair of spaced biasingmembers for exerting corresponding biasing forces on the actuator inopposite directions along the rotational axis when the actuator movesbetween its first and second positions along the rotational axis.
 4. Theassembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second subassembly includesa hub adapted for coupling with the one of the members of the couplingapparatus and supported for rotation relative to the first subassemblyabout the rotational axis, the hub slidably supporting the actuatorduring shifting movement along the rotational axis.
 5. The assembly asclaimed in claim 4, wherein the second subassembly includes a pair ofspaced stops supported on the hub to define the first and secondpositions of the actuator.
 6. The assembly as claimed in claim 4,wherein the second subassembly includes a set of spaced guide pinssandwiched between an inner surface of the actuator and an outer surfaceof the hub and extending along the rotational axis, wherein the actuatorslides on the guide pins during shifting movement of the actuator alongthe rotational axis and wherein the guide pins pilot the actuator on thehub.
 7. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stator includesa ferromagnetic housing having spaced apart fingers and anelectromagnetically inductive coil housed between adjacent fingers. 8.The assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the actuator includes aninner part and an outer part having a magnetic annular ring sandwichedbetween a pair of ferromagnetic backing rings wherein the magneticcontrol force magnetically biases the fingers and their correspondingbacking rings into alignment.
 9. The assembly as claimed in claim 1,wherein the actuator is a permanent magnet actuator.
 10. The assembly asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the stator includes a pair of spacedelectromagnetically inductive coils.
 11. An electromechanical assemblyto control the operating mode of a coupling apparatus having drive anddriven members supported for rotation relative to one another about acommon rotational axis and at least one forward strut and at least onereverse strut for selectively mechanically coupling the memberstogether, the assembly comprising: a first subassembly including a firststator having at least one electromagnetically inductive first coil tocreate a first magnetic flux when the at least one first coil isenergized and a second stator having at least one electromagneticallyinductive second coil to create a second magnetic flux when the at leastone second coil is energized; and a second subassembly adapted forcoupling with one of the members of the coupling apparatus to rotatetherewith, the second subassembly being supported for rotation relativeto the first subassembly about the rotational axis when coupled to thecoupling apparatus, the second subassembly including at least onebi-directionally movable first rod, each first rod having a free endadapted for connection to a forward strut of the coupling apparatus forselective, small displacement forward strut movement, and a firstactuator operatively connected to the at least one first rod forselective bi-directional shifting movement along the rotational axisbetween a first position of the first actuator which corresponds to afirst mode of the coupling apparatus and a second position of the firstactuator which corresponds to a second mode of the coupling apparatus,wherein a first magnetic control force is applied to the first actuatorwhen the at least one first coil is energized to cause the firstactuator to move between its first and second positions along therotational axis, and wherein the second subassembly further includes atleast one bi-directionally movable second rod, each second rod having afree end adapted for connection to a reverse strut of the couplingapparatus for selective, small displacement reverse strut movement and asecond actuator operatively connected with the at least one second rodfor bi-directional shifting movement thereof along the rotational axisbetween a first position of the second actuator which corresponds to athird mode of the coupling apparatus and a second position of the secondactuator which corresponds to a fourth mode of the coupling apparatus,wherein a second control magnetic force is applied to the secondactuator when the at least one second coil is energized to cause thesecond actuator to move between its first and second positions along therotational axis.
 12. The assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein thesecond subassembly includes at least one biasing first member forexerting at least one biasing force on the first actuator along therotational axis when the first actuator moves between its first andsecond positions along the rotational axis and at least one biasingsecond member for exerting at least one biasing force on the secondactuator along the rotational axis when the second actuator movesbetween its first and second positions along the rotational axis. 13.The assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the second subassemblyincludes a first pair of spaced biasing members for exertingcorresponding biasing forces on the first actuator in oppositedirections along the rotational axis when the first actuator movesbetween its first and second positions along the rotational axis and asecond pair of spaced biasing members for exerting corresponding biasingforces on the second actuator in opposite directions along therotational axis when the second actuator moves between its first andsecond positions along the rotational axis.
 14. The assembly as claimedin claim 11, wherein the second subassembly includes a hub adapted forcoupling with the one of the members of the coupling apparatus andsupported for rotation relative to the first subassembly about therotational axis, the hub slidably supporting the first and secondactuators during corresponding shifting movement along the rotationalaxis.
 15. The assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the secondsubassembly includes a first pair of spaced stops supported on the hubto define the first and second positions of the first actuator and asecond pair of spaced stops supported on the hub to define the first andsecond positions of the second actuator.
 16. The assembly as claimed inclaim 14, wherein the second subassembly includes a set of spaced guidepins sandwiched between an inner surface of the first and secondactuators and an outer surface of the hub and extending along therotational axis, wherein the actuators slide on the guide pins duringshifting movement of the actuators along the rotational axis and whereinthe guide pins pilot the actuators on the hub.
 17. The assembly asclaimed in claim 11, wherein each stator includes a ferromagnetichousing having spaced apart fingers and an electromagnetically inductivecoil housed between adjacent fingers.
 18. The assembly as claimed inclaim 17, wherein each actuator includes an inner part and an outer parthaving a magnetic annular ring sandwiched between a pair offerromagnetic backing rings wherein the magnetic control forcesmagnetically bias the fingers and their corresponding backing rings intoalignment.
 19. The assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein eachactuator is a permanent magnet actuator.
 20. The assembly as claimed inclaim 11, wherein each stator includes a pair of spacedelectromagnetically inductive coils.
 21. The assembly as claimed inclaim 11, wherein the second actuator has at least one apertureextending completely therethrough to allow each first rod to movebi-directionally therethrough.